Effect of cationization on adsorption of silver nanoparticles on cotton surfaces and its antibacterial activity

Abstract

Cotton was cationized by exhaustion method using 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CHPTAC) as a cation-generating agent. Adsorption of silver nanoparticles on normal and cationized cotton was studied by exhaustion method at temperatures of 80°C and 100°C. Two exhaustion baths were used, containing nanosilver colloidal solutions stabilized by two different stabilizers and various concentrations of silver nanoparticles. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra of normal and cationized samples confirmed the existence of quaternary ammonium groups on cationized cellulose fibers. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed that crystallinity of the modified cellulose fibers was decreased. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed that the surface of the modified cotton was rougher than that of normal cotton. In addition, SEM images showed the presence of silver nanoparticles on the surface of treated fabric samples. The amount of silver particles adsorbed on the fabric samples was determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer. Antibacterial tests were performed against Escherichia coli bacteria as an indication of antibacterial effect of samples. Cationized cotton samples adsorbed more silver nanoparticles and then had greater ability to inhibit bacteria.